In July, 2012, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation released a consultation document on a proposed multimodal goods movement strategy for Ontario. It provided the context for action on goods movement in Ontario, a summary of the various transportation modes, system-wide strengths and challenges, and proposed 20 year vision and objectives. It posed several questions for respondents to answer.

Transport Action Ontario submitted comments to the Ministry in September, 2012, focussing largely on the opportunities for rail. The comments can be read here:

With the Ontario provincial election coming up soon, Transport Action Ontario organized a public meeting at Toronto Metro Hall on `Transportation Policy: A Dialogue with Voters`. Panelists were Cheri DiNovo (NDP), Frank De Jong (Green Party) and Frank Klees (PC). A summary of the meeting proceedings is now available.

The future of Canada’s national passenger rail system is in doubt. Starved of resources since its inception, VIA Rail services were cut in 2012 and more devastating cuts are to come.

In response to these irresponsible and reckless decisions, Transport Action Canada and its five regional affiliates have launched their nationwide town hall meetings project, the National Dream Renewed. For further information, consult the website: http://nationaldreamrenewed.ca/.

To be conducted by Toronto transportation writer and policy advisor Greg Gormick, the National Dream Renewed will inform the public of the vast untapped economic, social and environmental potential of Canada’s national rail passenger service. Canadians will be asked for their views on how VIA can be reformed to sustainably provide a high-quality, cost-effective service similar to that provided in every other industrialized nation. The goal is to produce a blueprint for VIA’s revival and expansion based on the input of Canadians from Atlantic to Pacific to Hudson Bay.

For the third time during its 35-year life, VIA is being forced to make major cuts to what many consider to be already a minimal rail passenger system. A federal government cut of $41 million in VIA operating funds over the next three years has already forced the discontinuance of several VIA trains. More cuts are coming and Canadians will be left with less sustainable, reliable and enjoyable transportation options.

On June 6, 2012, Transport Action Ontario and the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods jointly presented to the Standing Committee on General Government at Queen`s Park. This committee was conducting hearings on their `Study on Grid-Lock in the Greater Toronto Area and National Capital Region`. Our presentation summarized the background, highlights and conclusions from our recently conducted public forum in Markham on transportation problems, solutions and funding.

The Moving Forward Forum on transportation and funding issues took place in Markham on 12 May, 2012. It was co-hosted by Transport Action Ontario and the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods (F.U.N.), an Ontario umbrella group connected with over 500 ratepayer and resident associations in Ontario.